Chapter 3 – The Empire Strikes Back
Within minutes, Eleanor's legal team entered the courtroom carrying stacks of files.
One attorney approached Judge Carter.
"Your Honor, we respectfully request an emergency review."
Judge Carter frowned.
"On what grounds?"
The attorney opened the first folder.
"Fraud."
A second.
"Forgery."
A third.
"Concealment of marital assets."
The courtroom became deathly silent.
Large screens normally used for evidence flickered to life.
Bank transfers.
Shell companies.
Hidden offshore accounts.
Properties secretly purchased under Julian's business partner's name.
Every dollar Julian had claimed no longer existed...
Had been carefully hidden months before the divorce.
Judge Carter's expression hardened.
"You testified under oath that your financial disclosures were complete."
Julian's face drained of color.
"My lawyer..."
"Don't," the judge interrupted.
"I asked you a direct question."
Julian opened his mouth.
Nothing came out.
One investigator stood.
"We also recovered emails showing Mr. Lawson intentionally delayed the divorce until Mrs. Lawson reached eight months of pregnancy, believing she would lack the strength and financial ability to fight."
Gasps echoed through the courtroom.
Clara covered her mouth.
Every nightmare...
Every cruel word...
Every carefully planned humiliation...
Had been deliberate.
Judge Carter slammed his gavel.
"This court immediately vacates the previous ruling."
Julian collapsed back into his chair.
May you like
For the first time in years...
He looked afraid.
